Senate Bill No. 28–Senator Titus

Prefiled January 22, 1999

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Referred to Committee on Government Affairs

 

SUMMARY—Requires committee on benefits to ensure that policies of health insurance which it purchases or provides include coverage for prescription contraceptives and outpatient care related to contraception under certain circumstances. (BDR 23-480)

FISCAL NOTE: Effect on Local Government: No.

Effect on the State or on Industrial Insurance: Yes.

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EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted. Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).

 

AN ACT relating to programs for public employees; requiring the committee on benefits to ensure that policies of health insurance which it purchases or provides include coverage for prescription contraceptives and outpatient care related to contraception under certain circumstances; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

1-1 Section 1. Chapter 287 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a

1-2 new section to read as follows:

1-3 1. A policy of health insurance purchased by the committee on

1-4 benefits and any similar coverage provided by the committee on benefits

1-5 through a plan of self-insurance:

1-6 (a) That provides coverage for prescription drugs must provide

1-7 equivalent coverage for each contraceptive that is lawfully prescribed or

1-8 ordered and which has been approved by the Food and Drug

1-9 Administration, or the generic equivalent of such a contraceptive which

1-10 has been approved as a substitute by the Food and Drug Administration;

1-11 and

1-12 (b) That provides coverage for outpatient care must provide equivalent

1-13 coverage for outpatient care related to contraception.

1-14 2. As used in this section:

2-1 (a) "Contraceptive" means a drug or device intended to prevent

2-2 pregnancy.

2-3 (b) "Outpatient care related to contraception" means consultations,

2-4 examinations, procedures and medical services provided on an outpatient

2-5 basis and related to methods of contraception, including, without

2-6 limitation, natural family planning.

2-7 Sec. 2. NRS 287.043 is hereby amended to read as follows:

2-8 287.043 The committee on benefits shall:

2-9 1. Act as an advisory body on matters relating to group life, accident or

2-10 health insurance, or any combination of these, a program to reduce taxable

2-11 compensation or other forms of compensation other than deferred

2-12 compensation, for the benefit of all state officers and employees and other

2-13 persons who participate in the state’s program of group insurance.

2-14 2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, negotiate and

2-15 contract with the governing body of any public agency enumerated in NRS

2-16 287.010 which is desirous of obtaining group insurance for its officers,

2-17 employees and retired employees by participation in the state’s program of

2-18 group insurance. The committee shall establish separate rates and coverage

2-19 for those officers, employees and retired employees based on actuarial

2-20 reports.

2-21 3. Give public notice in writing of proposed changes in rates or

2-22 coverage to each participating public employer who may be affected by the

2-23 changes. Notice must be provided at least 30 days before the effective date

2-24 of the changes.

2-25 4. Purchase policies of life, accident or health insurance, or any

2-26 combination of these, or a program to reduce the amount of taxable

2-27 compensation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 125, from any company qualified to

2-28 do business in this state or provide similar coverage through a plan of self-

2-29 insurance for the benefit of all eligible public officers, employees and

2-30 retired employees who participate in the state’s program.

2-31 5. Consult the state risk manager and obtain his advice in the

2-32 performance of the duties set forth in this section.

2-33 6. Except as otherwise provided in this Title, develop and establish

2-34 other employee benefits as necessary.

2-35 7. Adopt such regulations and perform such other duties as are

2-36 necessary to carry out the provisions of NRS 287.041 to 287.049, inclusive,

2-37 and section 1 of this act, including the establishment of:

2-38 (a) Fees for applications for participation in the state’s program and for

2-39 the late payment of premiums;

2-40 (b) Conditions for entry and reentry into the state’s program by public

2-41 agencies enumerated in NRS 287.010; and

2-42 (c) The levels of participation in the state’s program required for

2-43 employees of participating public agencies.

3-1 8. Appoint an independent certified public accountant. The accountant

3-2 shall provide an annual audit of the plan and report to the committee and the

3-3 legislative commission.

3-4 For the purposes of this section, "employee benefits" includes any form of

3-5 compensation provided to a state employee pursuant to this Title except

3-6 federal benefits, wages earned, legal holidays, deferred compensation and

3-7 benefits available pursuant to chapter 286 of NRS.

3-8 Sec. 3. This act becomes effective on January 1, 2000.

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